READ THE CD LINER NOTES by "Rev." Jeff Mosier founder of Blueground Undergrass and Fred MacIsaac of WRFG 89.3 FM Radio in Atlanta...
Bluegrass music has always been propelled by a community of people who just "like to pick." My fondest memories of just "picking" are steeped in the times we would simply "go over to Buddy's place and pick." Buddy Ashmore's musical taste, knowledge of bluegrass, credibility as a friend and family man, and his genuine love for people, have influenced the bluegrass scene with well-deserved longevity. His personal presence is like a kind of "bluegrass Marlboro man." Of all the people I know, I always wished that he would have a band that reflected his mix of music and simple joy of living.
Buddy has always had the support and love of some of Atlanta's finest players and now has gotten together some of the most seasoned and long standing Georgia players to capture that spirit on this recording. More than just a good collection of songs, this CD is a train chock full of the real sounds of bluegrass. Though well recorded it still has the feel of a real band. There are no Nashville hired guns, slick arrangements or sexy voices on this train, but once aboard I can assure you that you will want to stay and listen. You'll laugh and tap your feet as you hear true friends and great players render the real heartfelt songs that they love. Pony Express invites you in, tells you a story, makes you laugh, and all the while you are hearing good bluegrass. We need more of that spirit in all of music.
I have often felt that "good music" transcends the boundaries of style, performance and genre because it communicates the soul of what it's like to be human and how great it is to be alive. Good music doesn't have to try to be good --it just is. The gift that Buddy Ashmore has given so many of us is that childlike love for music that we all pray we never lose over time. Peace to you all as you ride with the Pony Express where you just might find George D., an illegal flat pick and a Bible all laying on the same bed. And don't miss the tattoos!
"Rev." Jeff Mosier
Aquarium Rescue Unit & B.G.U.G. alumnus & omni-present banjo picker.
I was surprised and honored to be asked to compose some liner notes for this fine collection of music. I have had the pleasure of associating with Buddy for more years than I care to admit. My initial contact was at the first bluegrass festival I ever attended (Bullsboro Festival in Newnan, GA in the mid-70's). I was just learning how to play, and hovered around the periphery of the parking lot pickin' circles. The best circle was the one with Buddy in the center. I didn't meet him that day, but shortly thereafter, at the old Marietta, Georgia Festival (when they had the old run-down wooden sheds) I had the pleasure of meeting and playing with him.
Since then, I have had the delight of pickin' with him both at informal occasions and in organized band situations (Iron Mountain String Band). His tasteful guitar playing and superb singing, along with his choice of non-traditional material, have always made a pickin' session at a festival, his antique log cabin, or on stage a splendid occasion.
Most of the others in the group I have known nearly as long. Brad has graced my group, Cedar Hill, with his mandolin playing and vocalizing for many years. I met
David at the Marietta festival also, when he was just a teen-ager (and already an accomplished picker.) I believe I first met Mike at Marietta too, whose tasteful fiddle
would be the envy of any group. I guess we all became friends during the years of Julian's Tavern in Decatur. (Thank you, Julian Eady for being a true friend of bluegrass!) I only recently met Randy jamming at a funky roadside bar & pool hall in Senoia, Georgia that allowed a few hard-core bluegrass pickers to come in and strut their stuff. He was playing guitar then, but his conversion to bass was very successful, and his tenor vocals are outstanding.
This recording is long overdue. Great work you Pony Express guys!
Fred MacIsaac
Host of Spam & Grits, WRFG 89.3 FM, Atlanta
MEMBERS OF BUDDY ASHMORE & PONY EXPRESS:
Buddy Ashmore - Guitar and Lead Vocals
Brad Laird - Mandolin and Harmony Vocals
Randy Godwin - Bass and Harmony Vocals
David Ellis - Banjo and Harmony Vocals
Mike Estes - Fiddle
Special Guest on the Album:
Larry Bishop - Dobro
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